Best Thriller Books to Read in 2025: Top 9 List

Discover top thriller books with gripping plots and unexpected twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Silent Patient coverGone Girl coverThe Girl on the Train cover

Thriller books have a unique way of gluing us to our seats, like an unexpected plot twist in the middle of a boring Tuesday. When picking thrillers for our list, we focus on gripping plots that won’t let you sleep, characters deeper than a philosopher’s riddle, and twists that make you question everything, even your dog. We promise these novels are page-turners, perfect for any reader looking to get lost in a world where nothing is quite what it seems. Each page promises excitement, and even a little bit of danger, to keep you hooked!

On this list:

9 The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient cover

  • Genre: Psychological Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2019
  • Pages: 336

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This one kept us on the edge of our seats! Alicia Berenson’s story of silence intrigues with its twists and turns.

8 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Paperback, Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2012
  • Pages: 422

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We loved this classic thriller! The marital secrets and clever plot make it a page-turner.

7 The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

The Girl on the Train cover

  • Genre: Psychological Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2015
  • Pages: 395

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With unreliable narrators, this thriller book plays with your mind, making you question everyone.

6 The Likeness by Tana French

The Likeness cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2008
  • Pages: 466

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We chose ‘The Likeness’ because it’s a gripping thriller full of intrigue and identity twists.

5 The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

The Woman in the Window cover

  • Genre: Psychological Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 448

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This book had us peeking through our curtains! The suspense builds up beautifully.

4 The Reversal by Michael Connelly

The Reversal cover

  • Genre: Legal Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2010
  • Pages: 436

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A legal thriller with great momentum and tense courtroom action. We loved the character depth.

3 Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

Behind Closed Doors cover

  • Genre: Psychological Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2016
  • Pages: 351

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This book is a masterclass in tension. We couldn’t believe what was happening behind the seemingly perfect facade.

2 Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Big Little Lies cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Drama
  • Formats: Paperback, Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2014
  • Pages: 460

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With hidden secrets and a gripping story, this book kept us guessing who did it till the end.

1 The Night Manager by John le Carré

The Night Manager cover

  • Genre: Spy Thriller
  • Formats: Paperback, Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1993
  • Pages: 464

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We chose this as the best thriller book because of its brilliant mix of espionage and suspense. Jonathan Pine, a former soldier turned hotel night manager, becomes embroiled in a dangerous world of arms trading. Pine’s quest for justice against the charming yet sinister arms dealer, Richard Roper, captivated us entirely. The book strikes a balance between intricate plot and well-developed characters. It’s like James Bond meets a chess game, every move meticulously planned, and consequences dire. The storytelling is seamless, keeping you guessing until the last page. The prose is simple yet effective, painting vivid pictures of the glamorous yet shadowy world.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!